Keeping teens safe at summer jobs

(FOX Providence) - It's that time of year again: teens are pounding the pavement looking for summer work.

The National Consumers League tells us that having a job can be an important part of youth development, but the worst work - the ones on this year's Five Most Dangerous Teen Jobs - should be avoided. 

Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League , joined The Rhode Show to talk more about summer jobs.

What do teenagers and their parents need to have in mind when looking for summer job?

Many teens are eager to make money and many parents support this decision, but there are some dangers to look out for. Since 2000 the percentage of working teens has fallen 40 percent—in part because the federal government has cut back on funding for youth programs and in part because of the global economic recession. Job competition may lead working teens who are desperate for work to seek jobs that are unsafe for them.

So, what are the jobs teens should steer clear of?

Every year, the National Consumers League puts out a list of the Five Most Dangerous jobs for working youth and in 2011 those jobs are:

• Agriculture: Harvesting Crops and Using Machinery
• Construction and Height Work
• Traveling Youth Sales Crews
• Outside Helper: Landscaping, Groundskeeping and Lawn Service
• Driver/Operator: Forklifts, Tractors, and ATV’s

It's also important to mention that nearly half of teenagers injured on the job work in restaurants or other “leisure/hospitality” companies. Three in 10 work in retail establishments. Many teens work in restaurants are at risk of burns and other kitchen-related injuries--Fryers, meat slicers, knives, compactors, and wet, greasy floors can all combine to form a dangerous work environment.

Would you encourage teens to take a summer job?

Absolutely, jobs for teens are an important part of youth development, providing both needed income, savings college and teaching valuable work skills. According to research, teen jobs increase future earnings and also decrease the likelihood the working teen will drop out.  At the National Consumers League we want teens to maximize the benefits of summer jobs and minimize the dangers by being safe on the job and understanding their rights and responsibilities.